Dear FishFolk,

So what do you do for fun when you aren't fishkeeping?

I run long distances (ultramarathons) and am training for the Ozark Trail 100 in November. It's a 100 mile point to point run on the Ozark Trail in Missouri. First time they are having it. I used to do Ironman Canada, 1993 - 98.

I have been going stir crazy at home, I've been cooped up breaking down the fishroom and generally preparing for construction for weeks. My wife and I are going to a movie tonight. Probably the Ghost of a Girlfriend or Night in a Museum 2. We don't have high expectations. The Angels and Demons is a bit long. She hasn't been feeling well lately. I did enjoy the book.

If Jen isn't feeling well, I will go down to the Creek Nation Casino, River Spirit, and play poker. It's payday, so a lot of people that shouldn't be there will be playing. I usually play on weeknights or Sunday morning and the other regulars know me and I know them. Jen and I host a home game every other week. The trouble with people that don't know what they are doing is they get lucky sometimes. They usually don't though. So playing cards is another thing I (and Jen) like to do. Gin Rummy, crib, bridge, kaisar, smear, I used to play cards a lot back in Canada. My parents also are big card players, bridge (Mom) and Rummy and Poker (Dad). My brother and I were taught to count by playing blackjack, as kids. We live between the Osage and Creek Casinos (6 miles) and 18 miles from the Cherokee Casino.

I used to hunt a lot, mostly with a bow, but haven't been out since I got married in 2006.

What about the rest of you?

Earl